Kamaal Farooqui, a former minister-rank leader and veteran politician, has officially rejoined the Indian National Congress (INC) two decades after parting ways with the party in 2004. Alongside him, his son, Barrister Umar Kamaal Farooqui, former spokesperson of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), has also made the switch back to Congress. The father-son duo’s return is being hailed as a significant boost to the party’s efforts in Maharashtra ahead of the upcoming state elections.
Farooqui, who was once a close associate of prominent Congress leaders such as Union Minister C.K. Jaffer Sharif, former Maharashtra Chief Minister A.R. Antulay, and a confidant of Sonia Gandhi, Sharad Pawar, and Arjun Singh, has been a significant figure in Maharashtra’s political landscape. He previously served as Chairman of the Consumer Welfare Advisory Committee (with minister rank) and was the Chairman of the Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee (Minority). Now, after extensive discussions with the Congress high command in Delhi, Farooqui has decided to return to the party fold.
When questioned about his decision to rejoin the Congress, Farooqui highlighted the pressing need to combat the rise of communalism and right-wing ideologies. “The importance of defeating the hateful right-wing ideology of BJP and its allies is more critical than ever. The Congress remains the only party capable of reinstating the true spirit of our country,” he stated.
Farooqui’s re-entry into the party is expected to help the INC consolidate its grip on the Muslim vote bank, which has been drifting towards the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), led by Asaduddin Owaisi, in recent years. Farooqui’s influence and connections, especially in the Marathwada region, are viewed as essential assets to reverse this trend.
Farooqui’s son, Barrister Umar Kamaal Farooqui, is also a noteworthy addition to the Congress. Having completed his higher education in the UK, where he earned qualifications in law and business, including a Bar-at-Law from Lincoln’s Inn, London, Barrister Umar has made significant strides in political circles. During his time with the NCP, he served as the State Vice President of the NCP’s student wing and the party’s State Spokesperson, frequently representing the party in media debates.
Barrister Umar has built a strong rapport with Maharashtra’s younger Muslim generation, largely through his involvement in his father’s “Mission Education Movement” (Taleem-Dilao-Tehreeq). His educational background, which includes a Diploma in Mass Communication and Journalism, BBA, MBA, LLB, and LLM, along with his connection to grassroots movements, positions him as a vital asset in engaging the state’s Muslim youth in Congress’ electoral efforts.
The void left by Kamaal Farooqui’s departure from Congress in 2004 had significantly impacted the party’s Muslim leadership, especially in the Marathwada region. This decline was particularly evident in the Aurangabad district, where the party’s popularity among Muslim voters waned. However, Farooqui’s return, coupled with his sons’ political involvement, is expected to revitalize the party’s standing within the Muslim electorate.
Barrister Umar is seen as a leader who bridges the gap between traditional Muslim leadership and the aspirations of the younger generation. His academic credentials and political experience provide a fresh face for the party while maintaining continuity with his father’s established legacy.
With both Kamaal Farooqui’s political acumen and his sons’ involvement, the Congress is optimistic about its prospects in the upcoming elections. The elder Farooqui is expected to play a critical role in rallying Muslim support, while Barrister Umar is anticipated to take on a more prominent position, potentially within the Congress’ operations in Delhi.
The Farooqui family’s return to Congress has been warmly welcomed by senior members of the party and the INDIA alliance. A rally held in Mumbai to mark Kamaal Farooqui’s homecoming saw enthusiastic participation from party workers, who expressed their delight at having the seasoned leader back on board.
As the election race heats up in Maharashtra, the Congress is banking on the Farooquis’ influence and expertise to strengthen its position, particularly among Muslim voters, and to challenge the growing appeal of right-wing parties like the AIMIM.
